“He could speak, however, and, in reply to questions put to him, he said,
“‘I had not gone far along the road, and had just entered the forest path, when I met with two poacher-looking fellows, each with a big stick, and slovenly dressed, with big coats and slouched hats, which almost covered their eyes.
“‘They were very civil, and I asked them a great many questions about Darlington.
“‘They answered all my questions in a straightforward manner.
“‘Have you any strangers living in the village?’ said I.
“‘How do you mean?’ said they.
“‘Strangers, I mean, who have plenty of money, and don’t seem to do any sort of work for a living.’
“‘Oh, yes,’ said one; ‘there is a flashy-looking chap who stays at the inn, and spends lots of money every night; but what he does none of us know. He says he is a crown officer, but we think he must be a highwayman, or something of that sort, for he has got the cut of one all over.’
“‘They described this fellow to me so well, that I made up my mind it must be no other than Captain Jack, a famous rascal I was bent on capturing.
“‘I told the rustics this, and they laughed, but promised to go to the village with me, and assist in his capture.